Have you discovered the old vines and wines of Maule yet? Bouchon Family Wines winemaker Christian Sepúlveda shares a masterclass into Maule wine regions and the incredible diversity of old vines that thrive here, with a special focus on Semillon, País and Carignan.

In this winemaker interview, and part of our Terroir Talk series, one of Chile’s most exciting winemakers of the new generation dives deep into what makes Maule unique and distinctive. Amanda Barnes interviews Christian Sepúlveda about the terroir secrets and old vine treasures in Maule’s diverse regions – from Costa to Entre Cordilleras and Andes. Touching on the importance of the coastal influence and granite concentration in the soils, this is ideal for MW, MS and WSET students!

As a way to explore the wine regions, they taste through three emblematic wines for Bouchon and also for Maule: Bouchon Granito Semillon, Bouchon País Salvaje and Bouchon Vigno Carignan.

Interview with winemaker Christian Sepúlveda, Bouchon Family Wines

Wine tasting Bouchon Family Wines Maule

Three incredible and emblematic wines, not only for Bouchon but for Maule. Don’t miss these vinous gems!

Bouchon Family Wines Semillon Granito

Semillon is a superheroine waiting to be uncovered in Chile… There used to be well over 35,000 hectares planted but today just shy of 800 remains. Bouchon has been one of the key advocates for bringing this incredible variety back into the limelight and Granito Semillon is a shining example of how wonderfully the variety works in South America.

Attractive notes of dried flowers, pear, Meyer lemon and beeswax greet you on the nose while in the palate it sings with a racy acidity, rich weight and textural, long finish. This is a white wine for red wine lovers, and I adore it! One of the best white wines in Chile.

• Maule Costa, Batuco
• 100% Semillon
• Winemaker: Christian Sepúlveda, Bouchon Family Wines
• Winemaking: Oak fermented (15 – 18C) for 10 days, 12 months aged in French oak.

Bouchon Family Wines País Salvaje

This wine comes with a rather incredible story. Made from very old País vines which grow wild among the trees in the river creek in Bouchon’s Mingre vineyard, the grapes are all harvested by hand and require scaling up ladies and crawling under bushes to reach! The wine is then made in a very simple, artisanal way which reflects the true character of this wild País.

It’s a gloriously fruity and fresh wine with notes of rosehips, wild strawberries and meadow flowers, but in the palate it is actually quite serious with grip, freshness and a long finish. Chile’s answer to a very serious Beaujolais!

• Maule, Mingre
• 100% País
• Winemaker: Christian Sepúlveda, Bouchon Family Wines
• Winemaking: Fermented with native yeasts

Bouchon Family Wines VIGNO Carignan

Carignan is undoubtedly one of the stars of Maule’s old bush vines, and VIGNO has really helped put it on the map by establishing an appellation of sorts to protect these old vines and the growers that depend on them. Bouchon Family Wines is part of VIGNO, in fact Julio Bouchon is President of the association, and this wine is an excellent example of the finesse that old vine Carignan can have.

With hypnotic notes of blackcurrant and roses with an undercurrent of earthy, game aromas, this is a complex wine. Even after four years in bottle, the acidity is still really fresh and bright, which perfectly frames the spicy tannins and juicy finish. A wine for rich stews.

• Maule, Cauquenes
• 100% Carignan
• Winemaker: Christian Sepúlveda, Bouchon Family Wines
• Winemaking: 12 months in large foudre, and at least a year in bottle